Remission accomplished

"Complete remission." You're looking at two of the most thrilling, liberating words ever spoken. Even better, they were spoken today about Gunter.

When the nurse first called us back today, Dr. Davidson handed me Gunter's chart. I read words such as "resolved" and "complete response," but I didn't comprehend what I saw. Everything seemed jumbled. Dr. Davidson had to spell it out for me, and he did with those blessed words -- "complete remission." I still can't comprehend what those words will mean to us in the coming weeks and for the rest of our lives, but right now, they mean celebration, uplifted spirits, answered prayers, no more days trapped in the house, and possibly even living more like 25-year-olds again instead of 85-year-olds. I look forward to days when words like "toxicity" are no longer common terms for the Akridges. Hallelujah.

Chance of recurrence will always exist, but according to Dr. Davidson, it's pretty slim. Dr. Vermillion will remove Gunter's port as soon as the Cancer Center sets up an appointment, and Gunter will report back for scans every three months for the first year, every four months the second year and every six months for three years after that. Besides that, he's free to recover and go on with life. He's already working on growing his hair back, and thankfully, it looks dark. So many people we've seen lately haven't recognized him without his eyelashes and eyebrows, but they should come back in time, too.

I don't know how to thank God for answering "Yes" to our prayers and for bringing us through this trial. We also can't begin to thank all those who have prayed for us and encouraged us during these past months. I read James 5 this morning. Coincidence? I think not. These verses are for all those of you who have offered prayers of faith. Our God is always faithful to His word. He's our hero.

"Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up...The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." --James 5:14-16